Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Clinical findings in Japanese children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: focus on dental findings
S Kawashima1, N Niikuni, C H Lo
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) frequently exhibit oral breathing and dental abnormalities. Snoring is a universal symptom, while hyponasal speech is also common in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) affects children, with potential impacts on oral health and development.
- Clinical manifestations in children with OSA require thorough evaluation, including dental and oral cavity assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate clinical, dental, and oral cavity findings in children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 27 children diagnosed with OSA (apnea index ≥ 5) was studied.
- Clinical histories were obtained, and oral examinations were performed, including dental age and grading assessments.
- Sleep patterns and daytime symptoms like speech were also recorded.
Main Results:
- Snoring was present in 100% of OSA children; hyponasal speech in 74%.
- Oral breathing was observed in 89% of subjects.
- Dental findings included predominantly Grade II malocclusion (63%) and Hellman's dental age IIA.
Conclusions:
- Children with OSA frequently present with oral breathing, dental issues, and specific sleep-related symptoms.
- Comprehensive pediatric care for OSA should integrate dental and oral cavity evaluations.
Abstract:
We evaluated clinical findings including those on dentistry and in the oral cavity of children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). This study examined twenty-seven OSA children, who were advised by otolaryngologists to be admitted for closer examination and showed an apnea index (AI) of 5 or more on polysomnographs. Their clinical history was obtained from their mothers, and oral findings were also evaluated. The patient consisted of 15 males (56%) and 12 females (44%). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 16.0 +/- 3.0. Of the clinical findings related to sleeping and the duration of sleeping, snoring was the most frequently observed finding (100%). The mean duration of sleep, calculated from the time they went to bed (9.2 +/- 0.8 p.m.) and the time they got up (7.1 +/- 0.8 a.m.), was 9.9 +/- 1.0 hours. Of the clinical findings obtained during the daytime, hyponasal speech was the most frequently observed finding (74%). In terms of dentistry, oral breathing was the most frequently observed finding (89%). The mean duration of meals was 31.7 +/- 13.8 minutes. Results of oral examination revealed that Hellman's dental age was most frequently IIA. According to the standardized grading classification, grade I was observed in 7%, II in 63%, and grade III in 30% of subjects.
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and key...